The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and authorised officers within Environmental Health and other services within Wirral Council are responsible for dealing with outbreaks of diseases in animals such as avian influenza.
GOV.UK provides information on notifiable diseases in animals.
Latest updates in Wirral
16 March 2025
Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance in the zone around a premises near Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside (AIV 2025/16), the 10km surveillance zone has been revoked.
Download the declaration of the revocation of a surveillance zone (PDF)
9 March 2025
Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance in the zone around a premises near Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside (AIV 2025/16), the 3km protection zone has ended and the area that formed it becomes a surveillance zone.
View the latest updates on this incident
Avian influenza
If you keep any number of poultry (irrespective whether as pets or a hobby) or captive birds which are not kept fully housed in a dwelling (or another indoor structure) and with no access to open air you must register as a keeper of birds with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (external website).
All bird keepers should ensure that they follow control measures contained within a declaration.
Where to get the latest information and guidance
For the latest information about the overall situation in England, including any biosecurity rules which must be followed to prevent avian influenza please visit the GOV.UK website.
You can also check to see whether you live inside a control zone by checking the avian influenza disease map.
Disease Control Zones
Where avian influenza is suspected, temporary control zones of 3km and 10km may be put in place around the infected area. If there is confirmation of the disease then “disease control zones” are created to stop it spreading.
If highly pathogenic avian influenza (the most serious type) has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds, one of the following controls are put in place around the infected area:
- a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone
- a 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone
Where low pathogenic avian influenza (the less serious type) has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds, a 1km restricted zone may be put in place around the infected area.
If there is a higher risk of spread then a larger zone may be put in place.
View the latest updates on control zones and specific rules for them
Disease control zones continue to apply until they’re withdrawn or amended by a further declaration. Disease control zones are only lifted when all the disease control and surveillance activities within the zone have been completed.
What must you do inside the disease control zone
Biosecurity rules must be followed to prevent the disease and stop it from spreading.
Find out more information about biosecurity
A self-assessment checklist is available which should be used to make sure you are meeting the minimum standards to protect your flock from avian influenza.
Additional biosecurity rules may also be imposed by a veterinary inspector.
You must keep a record of anyone that transports markets poultry or poultry eggs (there are some exemptions).
You must not organise or attend bird gatherings (including bird fairs, markets, shows, sales, exhibitions and some premises used for dealing or internet sales). You must not release game birds.
How to prevent Avian Influenza and stop it spreading
The main causes of avian influenza in poultry and other captive birds are contact with:
- wild birds, in particular waterfowl such as geese, ducks and swans and gulls
faeces from infected birds
dirty footwear, clothing and vehicles and equipment
It is vital that everyone who owns birds maintains strong biosecurity to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
What to do if you suspect signs of Avian Influenza
Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
Find out more about the signs of avian influenza
If avian influenza has been detected in the area, then landowners or other organisations can display posters warning the public that there is a risk of avian influenza in the area.
Wild Birds
If you find dead wild birds, do not pick them up due to the risk of avian influenza. Instead, you should report them to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or report it online.
Protecting people from avian influenza
Avian influenza mainly affects birds. It can affect humans and other mammals. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise that the risk from this avian influenza strain is very low. If you have concerns around avian influenza and your health, further information is available on the NHS website.
The Food Standards Agency advise that it is safe to eat properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs.